AFL Fixture Under Fire as Stars and Legends Slam Friday Night Double-Header
The AFL is facing mounting criticism over its 2024 fixture, with a looming Friday night double-header drawing sharp rebukes from players, coaches, and former greats. The controversy centers on the scheduling of two high-profile matches simultaneously, pitting the Sydney Swans against the GWS Giants at the SCG against the Geelong versus Western Bulldogs clash at GMHBA Stadium, which starts just 30 minutes earlier.
Player and Coach Outcry Over Scheduling Decision
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox expressed deep disappointment, labeling the fixture as unfair to the Sydney derby. Giants star Lachie Ash called it "frustrating," while Swans defender Nick Blakey echoed the sentiment, describing it as "disappointing." Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has now joined the chorus, voicing his concerns on Fox Footy. "I saw the AFL's response around it with fixturing, but it doesn't feel right for me," Dangerfield said. "I think it's nice to have one show in town, and then everyone tunes into it. You've got to earn the right as a player and as a team to feature in those big games. So for me, it doesn't feel quite right... As a footy purist, I don't feel like it's right."
AFL Defends Double-Headers Amid Growing Backlash
In response, the AFL issued a statement defending the double-header strategy, arguing that it helps reach more fans and provides marquee timeslots for non-Victorian teams. However, this justification has done little to quell the outrage. Melbourne great Garry Lyon launched a scathing attack on SEN, calling the decision "wrong" and "borderline disgraceful." "This Friday night we've got a great game at GMHBA Stadium between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs which is worthy of a Friday night game," Lyon said. "But we've got another great game with the Sydney Swans on top of the ladder versus the Giants—they hate each other—at the SCG at 7.50pm. That's just not on, and if I were the Sydney Swans or GWS Giants or Adelaide and Port in Round 8, I'd be furious. The Showdown is worthy of a standalone game. I don't know what's going on with the fixture. There's an issue."
Broader Fixture Concerns and Historical Criticisms
The Friday night double-header is just one aspect of a fixture that has been under fire early in the season. Issues include rolling byes, teams facing multiple short breaks between games, and extended breaks, such as Hawthorn's recent 18-day gap. AFL great Dale Thomas has been particularly vocal, criticizing the scheduling ahead of Round 3 when no games were held at the MCG on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, despite matches occurring in Victoria on those days. "I've had enough," Thomas said on Triple M. "What is going on? How does it get to this point? It's ridiculous. It seems like they're almost trying to wreck the product. A double-header at Marvel on Saturday and no games at the MCG, the best stadium in the world."
As the debate intensifies, the AFL's fixture decisions continue to spark frustration among stakeholders, raising questions about fairness and the league's commitment to showcasing its premier matches effectively.
